Monthly Archives: March 2008

Dimasi closes the coffin

Posted on March 21, 2008 by billmanzi

In a vote that was no suprise the full House stood by the Speaker and voted to kill Governor Patrick’s casino proposal by referring it “to study”. The vote count was 108-46, with all of our local reps voting to … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | 3 Comments

Michigan Pulls the Plug

Posted on March 20, 2008 by billmanzi

With the Barack Obama supporters in the Michigan legislature sitting on their hands that body recessed without authorizing a re-do of the Michigan primary, eliminating any chance of a new primary. The question of dealing with the seating of that … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 1 Comment

Privatize Libraries?

Posted on March 20, 2008 by billmanzi

With all of the talk of fiscal gloom and doom at the local level there are still some who believe that cities and towns are crying wolf. Some believe that the talk is merely positioning, and that the “secret pot … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, State News | 2 Comments

Dimasi Hits the Jackpot

Posted on March 20, 2008 by billmanzi

(Disclosure: I have gone on record as supporting the Governor’s Casino plan) House Speaker Sal Dimasi prevailed in a titanic political struggle with Governor Deval Patrick, winning a critical Committee vote 10-8 on the Governor’s Casino proposal. The vote appears … Continue reading →

Posted in State News | 1 Comment

The Phoenix supports Mike Sullivan

Posted on March 20, 2008 by billmanzi

In a posting on the Phoenix blog appropriately titled “MassGOP Struggles” Phoenix writer David S. Bernstein admits to rooting for Republican Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan in our “biggest loser” competition. Well at least Bernstein acknowleges the potential for Mike to … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | 2 Comments

The Obama Speech

Posted on March 19, 2008 by billmanzi

Barack Obama gave a major speech that was designed to deal with racial issues we face as a country yesterday. The speech, prompted in part by the publicizing of the anti-American rants of his pastor, dealt with personal issues, as … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 5 Comments

The Two Week Weigh In

Posted on March 18, 2008 by billmanzi

I have weighed in after two weeks of the “biggest loser” competition, with a weight of 237, a net loss of six pounds. My opponent, Lawrence Mayor Michael Sullivan, weighed in at 220, a net loss of eight pounds. Round … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | 2 Comments

The Vindication of Michael Collins

Posted on March 18, 2008 by billmanzi

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting a St Patrick’s week event at which we had a distinguished speaker, Dr. William Matthews of the University of Massachusetts (Amherst). Dr. Matthews gave a talk on the life of Irish patriot … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen, National News | Leave a comment

Central Catholic, State Champions

Posted on March 15, 2008 by billmanzi

In a huge win for the Division 1 State Championship Central Catholic defeated St Johns (Shrewsbury) 68-47 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Central was led by Adrian Gonzalez, who broke out in his final game at Central Catholic, scoring … Continue reading →

Posted in Methuen | 1 Comment

Democratic Chaos

Posted on March 15, 2008 by billmanzi

With the likelihood that the nominating process will not produce a candidate with the requisite number of delegates to win the nomination the Democratic infighting over Florida and Michigan has reached new heights. Today’s New York Times details the threats … Continue reading →

Posted in National News | 9 Comments